I have been reading about the rebuilding of the Temple after the return of the exiles to Jerusalem. This Temple, like Solomon's Temple would eventually be destroyed and no longer stands today. But what about all those many dedicated hours given by God's people to rebuild that second Temple? What about all the material goods provided by the faithful? Were those hours of faithful service to God wasted? All those materials provided for nothing? Did those men and women waste their lives for something that no longer exists, that can no longer be pointed to as the work of their hands in worship to God?
What about us? What about our sincere and prayerful service, the hours of strain, the faithful commitment to God's service, the donations, to those ministries that no longer exist, for those people who have not come to know Christ? Are those just wasted efforts? Does only what lasts to the end count before God?
Let me make a couple of comments on this. 1) God knows and remembers all the service that has been done in worship to Him and will reward that service, even if nothing or no-one is left to show for it. 2) All efforts done in the Holy Spirit, in obedience to God, whether seen by men or not, whether remaining or not, play a part in God's purpose and plan for the ages to come and for the kingdom of God. And so our work is done unto the Lord, for God's purposes and for God's Glory, and for that reason count before God.
"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." 1 Corinthians 15.58
"His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.’" Matthew 25.21
Good articles this week:
Democratic Republic of the
Congo
An internal political crisis in the
Democratic Republic of the Congo left thousands dead, created tens of thousands
of refugees, and left about 1.5 million people displaced. Catholic priests and
other Christians have been either murdered or detained by police for
participating in protests against the country’s president.
“The church in the Democratic
Republic of the Congo has been a long, outspoken proponent of democracy and
freedom, historically serving as a moral voice against the corrupt
consolidation of power,” says Harris.
“It will be imperative that the
United States closely follow, and continue to exert pressure on, the impending
presidential elections to be held in December,” he added. “Integral to the
overall hope and vision of a free and flourishing Democratic Republic of the
Congo is a peaceful, democratic transfer of power.”
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